Understanding Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Prevention and Management*

[CharlieH]

 

 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among individuals aged 50 and older. Though irreversible in its advanced stages, understanding this condition, its risk factors, and prevention strategies can help manage and potentially slow its progression. This article provides a comprehensive overview of AMD, including what it is, why it occurs, preventive measures, supplements that may help, and when to seek medical intervention.

 

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

 

AMD is a degenerative eye condition affecting the macula, a small central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision and color perception. It primarily impacts central vision, which is crucial for activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. AMD does not typically cause total blindness but can significantly impair quality of life.

 

There are two primary types of AMD:

 

1. Dry AMD: Characterized by the gradual thinning of the macula, dry AMD is more common and progresses slowly.

 

2. Wet AMD: Involving abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina, wet AMD is less common but more severe, often leading to faster vision loss.

 

Why Does AMD Occur?

 

The exact cause of AMD is not entirely understood, but several risk factors have been identified:

 

Age: The risk increases significantly after age 50.

Genetics: Family history can play a significant role, suggesting a genetic component to the disease.

*Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise are modifiable risk factors.

Health Conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease may increase risk.

 

Ways to Help Prevent AMD

 

While AMD can't be completely prevented, certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk or slow its progression:

 

Quit Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor, and stopping can slow disease advancement.

Balanced Diet: A diet rich in leafy greens, fish, nuts, and fruits provides essential nutrients that support eye health.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity improves overall health and can reduce AMD risk factors.

Protect Eyes from UV Light: Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays can help protect your eyes.

 

Suggested Supplements for AMD

 

Nutritional supplements can also play a role in managing AMD, particularly for those at high risk of developing advanced stages:

 

AREDS and AREDS2 Supplements**: The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) found benefits in taking specific formulations that include

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Zinc

Copper

Lutein

Zeaxanthin

 

These supplements are generally recommended for individuals with intermediate to advanced AMD and should be taken under medical supervision to ensure appropriate dosage and to monitor for any potential side effects.

 

When to Seek Medical Intervention

 

Regular eye examinations are crucial, especially as you age. Seek medical attention if you experience any sudden changes in vision, such as:

 

- Blurred or distorted central vision.

- Difficulty seeing in low light.

- A noticeable loss of color perception.

- A need for brighter light when reading or doing close work.

 

An ophthalmologist can conduct specialised tests to diagnose and monitor AMD, and treatment options, especially for wet AMD, may be available. These can include:

 

- **Injections**: Anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections can slow the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

- **Laser Therapy**: Used in some cases to destroy abnormal blood vessels.

- **Vision Aids**: Devices such as magnifiers can help optimise remaining vision.

 

 

 

Age-related macular degeneration is a common but serious condition that necessitates proactive management. While it can impact quality of life, understanding risk factors and employing preventive measures—like diet, lifestyle changes, and appropriate supplementation—can mitigate its effects. Early detection and regular monitoring by eye care professionals are key to preserving vision and managing AMD effectively. If you're experiencing any symptoms or have a family history of AMD, consult with a healthcare provider to develop a personalised plan that prioritises your eye health.

[GreasyFingers]

I have WET AMD so I am glad you did not say it was related to alcohol consumption, only smoking.

[Peterphuket]

5 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

I have WET AMD so I am glad you did not say it was related to alcohol consumption, only smoking.

I sympathise with you, regarding the alcohol, but otherwise do not suffer from Macular Degeneration.

[ericbj]

This post caught my attention because of macular degeneration and the potential link to copper deficiency.

 

Macular degeneration began in my case nearly twenty years ago after being poisoned.  Of course this could be due to having then attained the age of 60.  However aging and poisoning (general weakening of immune system and digestive capacities) are, to my mind, linked.

 

Severe copper (and selenium) deficiencies were revealed by a recent spectroscopic analysis of my hair: which also showed excessive levels of aluminium and arsenic.  Despite my, occasionally, taking a copper supplent (and sometimes eating Brazil nuts).

 

A web-search for a link between copper deficiency and heavy metals has not produced much evidence.  So far only this, from a research paper:

 

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2024.1408159/full

 

"Many of these functions … are crucially dependent on copper including mitochondrial respiration, antioxidant defense, iron metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and vascular function"
…
"Copper imbalance can act twofold, firstly in excess as a cell stressor that can induce cuproptosis …, and in deficiency in the loss of function of critical cuproenzymes that affect respiration and normal neuronal functioning."
…
"In this regard the most notable risk factors seem to be related with contamination of food or water sources with plant and algal toxins, and also HEAVY METALS …, all of which either enhance protein aggregation or interact with copper or cuproproteins in a detrimental manner."
…
"A recent review that included over 258 studies has identified ß-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), formaldehyde, mercury, manganese and zinc as key contributors to ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis] risk in descending order of association …. Other studies indicate herbicides and pesticides that include paraquat, permethrin and glyphosate as being associated risk factors."

 

Note that manganese and zinc are both essential for human health.  It is when they are regularly in excess that they depress copper levels.

 

Also perhaps pertinent to copper deficiency

 

https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/copper-deficiency#symptoms

 

"Copper is integral to the body's processing of iron. Iron is necessary for red blood cell production. Thus, this can have widespread effects, such as:
Anemia: Low red blood cell counts that do not improve with iron supplementation.
Frequent infections: This is due to low white blood cell counts (neutropenia)."

 

In the recent past blood analysis has shown me deficient in both red and white blood cells.  But recently I was informed that my red blood cell count is normal. [Although I am sceptical of official "norms", which tend to be adjusted to reflect the most recent population averages, where overall health of western populations is declining]

 

[Donald Bright]

I was diagnosed with DRY AMD 14yrs ago and although it has progressed some over that time it has not yet reached the WET stage and hope fully won't for a few more years.   With the onset of WET AMD one has to start having injections which can be quite expensive.   Expense wise one needs to check out different eye hospitals for comparisons.   I have three monthly tests done and the 4000bht cost is comparable to back home.   However when i compared the cost of the injections the prices differed considerably.   Eye hospitals in Bangkok were charging between 80,000/100,000 per injection, where as the Khon Kaen eye hospital which has a great reputation, where i go, charges 25,000bht per injection which again is on par with what it would cost me back home if i needed them.

So If you are diagnosed with AMD you need to check out first a good eye hospital with good service and second one where you are not going to be ripped off.   I used to go to the Buriram government hospital until the head Ophthalmologist was promoted to a bigger hospital and was replaced with a female who can speak English but refuses to and only speaks in Thai to my wife.  I did not take too kindly to this and told her to shove everything where the sun don't shine and started going to Khon Kaen where they speak good English and treatment is good.

I hope this helps some people somewhere along the line.

[GreasyFingers]

2 hours ago, Donald Bright said:

However when i compared the cost of the injections the prices differed considerably.   Eye hospitals in Bangkok were charging between 80,000/100,000 per injection, where as the Khon Kaen eye hospital which has a great reputation, where i go, charges 25,000bht per injection which again is on par with what it would cost me back home if i needed them.

You need to search around for prices. I pay about 5000 baht per injection at Narsuan University hospital in Phitsanulok or in the public hospital in Phetchabun. That equates to a similar price in Australia after the Medicare rebate.

The injections might sound scary but they are very simple with minor irritation afterwards.

[KannikaP]

5 minutes ago, GreasyFingers said:

You need to search around for prices. I pay about 5000 baht per injection at Narsuan University hospital in Phitsanulok

Superb hospital. I am there for eye check up later this month. Had several ops there. No problems and no rip-off.